Tips on buying a speedy pro?

[airchitect]

I am in the market for a speedy pro but do not have a ton of knowledge in regards to what yrs to stay away from, which version is tops (i assume hexalite with a steel back), or anything else about them really.....other than..l like them. Any pointers?

[Kringkily]

Depends what you are looking for tritium or superluminova. The speedymaster hasn't really changed over time except the newer dial and hands until you go far back to the late 69's and earlier.

[KatGirl]

If you're looking preowned, just make sure to find one in nice shape, preferrably one that's just a few years old, or has been recently serviced. Good luck. It's an awesome watch.

Regards,

KAT

[jmsrolls]

There are many variations of Speedy Pros but the current 3570.50 is probably the pinnacle of Speedy Pro development. It has Super-Luminova lume and a rhodium plated movement with 18 jewels. This is the model flight certified by NASA.

I started with a pre-owned 3570.50 and went through a couple of dozen before settling in on a vintage 105.012 as worn by Armstong and other moon walkers.

Some prefer the models with sapphire crystals as the hesalite models are susceptible to scratches. Personally I prefer the look and feel of hesalite and consider scratches to be a non-issue.

I purchased my first Speedy Pro from Jungo (jmryshi on eBay) back when his feedback score was <100. Other reliable eBay sellers are sabashioyakiz1 and kaberui.

If you decide you want to go with a new Speedy Pro, PM me for my dealer's information.

The Speedy Pro is an iconic watch and no other watch has its history and mystery. No serious watch collection is complete without one.

Fr. John†

[sarir97]

I second what Fr. John said. He's a trusted source for anything Speedy Pro or Omega in general. I listened to his advise and decided on a vintage calibre 321 Neil Armstrong 105.012-65 speedy. They aren't that hard to find, but may cost more than new, especially if it's all original and if comes with original bracelet. My advise to you, if you go vintage, is to be very patient and don't jump on the first Ebay specimen that you see. Do your research before bidding/buying.

[jb76]

I bought my 3570.50 from Kringkily about a month ago and couldn't be happier. I highly suggest both the watch and the seller.

At first I was a little nervous about the lack of a sapphire crystal but I can't imagine buying the watch with one. The hesalite really adds a special touch to the watch. Plus if it gets a little scratched up, it sounds like it is pretty easy to buff out.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt!

[airchitect]

Thank you all for the info. I love the speedy. The only thing I wish it had was a date, but unless I want a bastardized version, then no dice. I went to the opening of the Discovery shuttle exhibit at the Smithsonian a while back and spent half my time ogling the speedy in the display case next to it! Thanks all. :-)

But if I wanted to find the vintage version....hmm?

[sarir97]

Originally Posted by airchitect

But if I wanted to find the vintage version....hmm?

Visit this website by Chuck Maddox. Browse to near-bottom of the page - there is a wealth of info on Speedies. Important if you are buying vintage. Also read up on various Speedy bezels such as the "dot over 90" and other variations.

[Wristmaster]

Yes, hesalite give it a warmer look. Cant be anymore happier with mine now.

[jwalther]

Originally Posted by airchitect

Thank you all for the info. I love the speedy. The only thing I wish it had was a date, but unless I want a bastardized version, then no dice. I went to the opening of the Discovery shuttle exhibit at the Smithsonian a while back and spent half my time ogling the speedy in the display case next to it! Thanks all. :-)

But if I wanted to find the vintage version....hmm?

Use the minute totalizer as a date indicator. Works except for the 31st of the month. . .

[Wristmaster]

Actually, there are speedies with date. The 44m ones. But its not "moonwatch" anymore imho.

[Rodentman]

I went with the sapphire sandwich since I wanted to see the movement and prefer the scratchproof crystal. YMMV of course.

At first I didn't think the dial was particularly special, but now I realize how visible it is, nice contrast, and I love it!

I took it off the bracelet and put it on a carbon fiber strap.

[ttomczak]

That strap looks great on it!

[airchitect]

Thanks for all of the great info guys! I appreciate it. :-)

[AlTinkster92]

Ive been thinking of a moonwatch myself, cant decide on a 69 version or the new ones, wish someone could post a pic of each side by side. I own a 2592.52 Seamaster at present.. Also could someone reccomend a dealer? Thanks a bunch

[sarir97]

Originally Posted by AlTinkster92

Ive been thinking of a moonwatch myself, cant decide on a 69 version or the new ones, wish someone could post a pic of each side by side. I own a 2592.52 Seamaster at present.. Also could someone reccomend a dealer? Thanks a bunch

By 69 version, do you mean the same version of the watch that landed on the moon, or one built in 1969? They are not the same.

In terms of requesting pictures of side-by-side Speedies, I'm afraid that would fairly useless, since they (with very little variation) all look alike.

[AlTinkster92]

Hi Sarir, whats the difference btween the 2?? Didnt realize there was one, thanks.

[sarir97]

Originally Posted by AlTinkster92

Hi Sarir, whats the difference btween the 2?? Didnt realize there was one, thanks.

The Neil Armstrong Speedmaster case reference dates to 1965 (105.012).The Buzz Aldrin Speedy (lost/stolen during shipment to the Smithsonian) probably dates to 1965 or 66 (no way to know for sure, probably a 105.012 or a 145.012). These two calibre 321 models would be the two Speedmaster references known to have been worn on the moon by Apollo astronauts, the original "moonwatches."

I believe that in 1968, Omega stopped producing the calibre 321 in favor of the 861. The 861 was very similar to the 321, but replaced its column wheel switching mechanism with a cam and increased the beat rate from 18000 to 21600 vibrations per hour.

So in essence, a 1969 produced watch is not the "original moon watch", but perhaps a slightly improved variation of it (from a mechanical perspective). From a collector's point of view, you want the original calibre 321, and ideally a 105.012.

[AlTinkster92]

Thanks, looking for a 69 3570. with the tapered bracelet, theres one on Ebay right now with glass on the backside from some guy in Japan, he comes highly recommended, Apollo watch I think. I like the newer ones as well but bracelet is just like the one on my 2592..want a little variation on bracelets..just cant seem to decide..I do prefer the older ones because of that.

[AlTinkster92]

I also dont know the value of these anymore, I know Rolex is going up but how about Omega? I also own a U model Sub and a GMT master 2 K model... Still love the Omegas and they are in my opinion a better watc.... bought my 1st Omega in Nam, a Mark 2 for 295.00 brand new..